What should a family do with lice? - briefly
Treat the infestation promptly with an FDA‑approved pediculicide, follow the product’s application schedule, and launder all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks; then comb the hair daily with a fine‑toothed lice comb and repeat treatment after seven days to eradicate any newly hatched nits.
What should a family do with lice? - in detail
Head lice infestations require immediate, systematic action to eliminate the parasites and prevent recurrence.
First, confirm the presence of live lice or viable nits by examining the scalp with a fine-tooth comb under good lighting. Live insects move quickly; nits are firmly attached to hair shafts within a half‑centimeter of the scalp.
Second, apply an approved pediculicide according to the product label. Recommended options include 1% permethrin lotion, 0.5% malathion solution, or a dimethicone‑based silicone spray. Follow these guidelines:
- Apply to dry hair, saturating the scalp and hair to the roots.
- Leave the medication for the specified duration (usually 10 minutes for permethrin, 8–12 hours for malathrin).
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nymphs.
Third, remove residual nits mechanically. Use a fine‑tooth nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, moving from the scalp outward in 1‑inch sections. Comb each section at least three times, rinsing the comb between passes. Discard collected lice and nits in a sealed container.
Fourth, decontaminate personal items and the environment:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags promptly.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories until the infestation is cleared.
Fifth, monitor all household members daily for at least three weeks. Treat any additional cases with the same regimen. Educate children about avoiding head‑to‑head contact and discourage sharing personal hair items.
Finally, document the treatment dates and outcomes. If live lice persist after two full treatment cycles, seek medical advice for alternative prescription options such as oral ivermectin or spinosad. Continuous adherence to the protocol ensures complete eradication and reduces the risk of future outbreaks.